definitely this time (e.p. fanfic)

Chapter 14

'Why do you love danger so much?'

'It's not dangerous if you're not scared.'

Raina and Caspian were seated comfortably on the grass, having a debate over her decision to challenge Coriakin to that fight earlier. Caspian could never understand why Raina would do that voluntarily, while Raina found it pretty obvious why.

'I'm High Queen, Caspian. If I can't accept a challenge this way, no one would ever take me seriously.' Raina explained.

'Raina, I find it hard to believe anyone could ever not take you seriously.' Caspian challenged. Raina sighed.

'I know last time I was here, I was good. I knew what I was capable of..well, mostly.' The two shared a laugh.

'But this time, I feel like a liability when I'm supposed to be an asset of sorts. Not being able to control my powers only makes all of us susceptible to losing against what might be coming. If I can't protect Narnia, what did Aslan bring me here for?' Raina asked, rhetorically, while plucking some grass. Caspian looked at Raina, sympathetically. He knew how strong she was, but he also knew that if she didn't believe in her abilities, she would not go far.

'Hey. Don't think of yourself like that. You were, are, and will always be a strong, powerful, no-nonsense Queen. No amount of shadow creatures, or slave traders, or Telmarines will change that. You've come so far, Raina! Give yourself a little credit.' Said Caspian, earnestly. Raina looked up and gave him a small smile.

'Well, at least someone has faith in me.' She joked, as Caspian cocked an eyebrow.

'Well, literally everyone believes in you but alright.' He sassed, when Raina smacked his shoulder lightly, prompting a laugh from him.

The two royals were seated some distance from Coriakin's mansion, when a voice was heard. Raina turned around to see Edmund and Lucy coming forward in their ship attire.

'We're going to leave soon. We should probably get everything ready.' Lucy explained, as Raina and Caspian nodded. Neither seemed to notice Edmund's nostrils flaring at the sight of Caspian and Raina together. Just then, Raina caught wind of his reddening face, and spoke up.

'You guys go on. I need to talk to Edmund.' She whispered, as she grabbed Edmund's hand and pulled him away from the other two. Lucy and Caspian exchanged confused glances before walking away. Once Raina and Edmund were out of earshot, she turned to him.

'Hi.' She said, softly.

'Hi.'

Raina took a deep breath.

'I'm sorry I've been avoiding you.'

Edmund's head snapped up, surprised. He did not expect to hear that. Raina sighed as she continued.

'After the whole mind reading debacle, I didn't know how you felt about it. I couldn't imagine anyone doing that to me, let alone being around that person after it. I didn't know how to act around you, and I thought I should give you space.' Raina explained, quietly, not meeting Edmund's eyes. It was true, of course, if not entirely, but a large portion, no doubt.

Edmund sensed her honesty, but he also sensed her hiding something. He figured that this was a step, and he probably shouldn't push it.

'Hey.' He whispered, as his palm went to her face. She looked up, surprised and flushed. That made him smile a little.

'I'm alright, and you didn't have to do that. I understand why, but it's me, Raina. There's nothing you could say or do that could ever make me want to stay away from you. I promise.' Edmund reassured.